The West Cape government has threatened to pursue a lawsuit against EFF in a bid to stop the nationwide protest by the agitators on March 20. 

In a statement issued on Monday by the province spokesperson, Premier Alan Winde warned the agitators to respect the rule of law and refrain from “destructive action.” 

The province said EFF agitators are legally permitted to protest but it is “intolerable” for them to infringe other “constitutional rights” noting that the protests are misguided and it only “proceeds within the law.”

“Threats of violence, looting of businesses, intimidation, and disruption of services is totally unacceptable. The EFF has the constitutional right to protest, but it is intolerable for them to threaten the constitutional rights of other citizens, especially where essential services such as individual safety, healthcare, and education are concerned,” the statement said 

 This protest, as misguided as it is, should only proceed within the law.” He added, “Videos of EFF members and Party leader Julius Malema circulating on social media are tantamount to threats of unrest and incitement of violence. I will not stand for this.”

The West Cape government said the matter will be treated with seriousness and they will not permit any fear being created by the EFF in the mind of residents. 

The province added that there is a need for more focus on economic growth, job creation, and the free will of movement and access to basic needs without restrictions.

“We as the Western Cape Government (WCG) are taking this matter very seriously and will not allow this culture of fear being created by the EFF to take hold, “warned the Premier. On Friday, 10 March the Western Cape Departments of Health and Social Development were granted an interdict by the Western Cape High Court against NEHAWU workers who were threatening essential services in our province, and we will not hesitate to act in a similar manner in this situation.”

“Premier Winded pointed out, “The province’s economy has been showing promising signs of recovery despite the devastation created by the energy crisis. What we need to do, irrespective of political affiliation is to maintain our focus on growing our economy and creating more jobs, not denying people the right to freedom of movement, work, and access to basic services. We grow our economic freedom by opening up our society not shutting it down,” the Premier pointed out.

The West Cape government urged the South African government to interfere and stop EFF from shutting down the economy. 

The Premier urges the national government to take action to stop the EFF from proceeding with the shutdown. He reiterated, “It serves no constructive purpose, and taking into account the recent illegal actions by trade union NEHAWU, will only exacerbate an already incendiary situation.”